By marking World Patient Safety Day on 17 September, the World Health Organization underlines patient safety as a global priority and a critical component of health care. Patients have a right to receive medical care that is free from errors, hospital-borne infections and other hazards.
Care is safer when organizations have clear policies and follow them; when data is used to improve safety; when medical staff members are skilled; and when families and patients are involved in the care process, the WHO says. CSL, a global company that makes medicines for rare medical conditions, as well as vaccines, is joining in the global celebration with its own Patient Safety Week (September 16-20) that includes in-person and virtual events for employees.
“Our commitment to patient safety is unwavering”, said Eric Teo, CSL’s Head of Global Safety and Pharmacovigilance, whose group is leading the initiative. “It is our mission to monitor diligently with care, innovate with passion and deliver with integrity to ensure that our patients receive safe and effective treatments.”
Researching and manufacturing medicines and vaccines puts CSL employees on the front lines of protecting patients and public health. Through the employee events, CSL wants to further educate and engage staff members on the importance of patient safety and the role each person plays in maintaining it, Teo said. In King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, a panel will discuss clinical trial safety. In Zurich, Switzerland, CSL colleagues will look at patient safety through the lens of providing the best possible patient experience.
“Patient safety is – and must always be – at the heart of everything we do at CSL,” CSL CEO Paul McKenzie said in a video message. “Across the globe, the employees of CSL practice patient safety daily through our dedication and attention to the tasks that are entrusted to us. Our precision and care safeguard patients, donors and the public.”
Safety and quality have been priorities for McKenzie, who became CEO in 2023 after spending four years as CSL’s Chief Operating Officer with oversight for global end-to-end operations.
